Michigan Farm News , 1-=1 September 15, 1993 Vol. 70, No.15 In This Issue ... NAFTA - The Debate Continues Coastal Zone Management: Debate surr~unding the proposed North New requirements will have big im- pact on Michigan agriculture. DNR American Free Trade Agreement (NAFf A) is reaching a frantic pace as the Suppliers of Agricultural developing plans page 3 legislation to implement the agreement ap- Market Outlook: pears ready for consideration before Con- gress this fall. NAFf A moved to the front Products to Mexico Frost fears drive the markets, be burner following the Clinton ready to lock in prices page 6 Administration's completion of the side agreements on August 13. Federal Budget Reconciliation: MSU's Myron Kelsey, ag tax The side agreements, which were deemed specialist, provides analysis and necessary by many in Congress, are schedule of tax changes page 7 designed to address concerns regarding Canada (7%) labor and environmental issues by calling Manure Storage Precautions: for consultation among the three NAFf A countries to remedy problems that arise. Quick tips you can use to protect yourself this faiL page 8 The acoord now provides for actual puni- Other (7%) tive penalties for persistent failure to en- Silage Gas Avoidance Critical: force a country's labor or environmental Timely tips to avoid exposure to laws. An unsuccessful attempt was made to deadly silo gasses page 9 address import surges in the supplemental agreements. Making the Best Silage: Producing quality corn silage now With congressional debate on NAFf A now will boost your profits all year set to begin on September 16, U.S. Source: UC Agricultural Issues Center long page 10 Secretary of Agriculture Mike ~spy has indicated that an "all out effort" will be Democrats are withholding support or out- resent 10 percent of our $40 billion in an- made by the Clinton Administration to pass right opposing the agreement. nual agricultural exports. Stored Grain Pest Management: Are your grain bins ready for the the pact. The outcome of this debate is of critical For more information see the NAFT A 1993 fall harvest? page 10 The Senate is expected to approve NAFf A importance to U.S. agriculture due to the Analysis on pages 12 & 13 and the Dis- by a small margin. The outcome in the expanding size of the Mexican market for cussion Topic on page 15. Wetlands Package: U.S farm exports. Mexican sales now rep- House is much less certain as many Clinton's wetlands proposal clears up confusion over what is and isn't wetlands page 11 Manure Gas Proves Costly at MSU Dairy Facility NAFTA - What it Does and Doesn't Do: A no-wind situation, hot humid tempera- percent milk. Researchers will be trying to Kreft credits the quick thinking of one of the tures, and initial agitation of a manure pit determine if the milk may have increased farm workers with the prevention of any Get answers to a number of NAFT A- located under slatted floors, all combined to the total amount of toxic gases generated loss of human life or suffering. "When we related issues page 12 take the lives of22 dairy heifers at the MSU through decomposition. first saw the heifers going down, six of us dairy research facility in East Lansing, entered the bam - my first thought being, NAFTA and the Commodities August 25. In the immediate future, Kreft said they will how can we get these animals out of here, You Grow: remove livestock prior to agitation and when one of the employees asked, 'Ifit's not A commodity by commodity look at According to MSU Dairy Farm Manager, pumping manure, unless they can pinpoint safe for the livestock, is it safe for us?," Bob Kreft, 18 heifers died immediately what exactly caused this incident. MSU Kreft said. "That's when we immediately what NAFT A means to your pocket left the bam." from hydrogen sulfide inhalation, while engineers will also be conducting air tests book page 13 four more were later euthanized, and with meters while wearing a self-contained Con tin ued ...page 9 see another one was sold due to exposure to the breathing apparatus. Avoid Forage Harvester high levels of the manure gas. "MSU Dairy Facility" Downtime this Fall: Fortunately, no human lives were lost in this freesta" barn, where 18 heifers died shortly Maintenance recommendations Farm workers had begun agitation of the after workers began manure agitation in the pit located below the slatted floors. from GEHL, and three simple steps manure pit, located under the freestall to avoid downtime page 16 heifer barn at 8 a.m., when one of the workers noticed animals going down ap- proximately 15 minutes after agitation had begun. He immediately shut down the pump, and alerted other workers who set up fans to aerate the bam so that the remaining heifers could be removed. Kreft said that in the nine years the facility has been used, they had never had an ex- perience like this before. "Autopsies did confirm that the heifers died from hydrogen sulfide," he said. "We're not sure what ex- actly caused the problem. There were a few things that were different this time, but at this point, we're not sure just what role each factor played." Kreft suspects that the major factor was the weather, which was very calm, with little or no wind, and high, humid temperatures. Another possible contributing factor that's being investigated, according to Kreft, is the fact that the manure contained up to 4 Michigan Farm News Classifieds - Page 14 ~ichigan Farm News September 15, 1993 In Brief ... Michigan Farm Bureau Reaches 1993 Statewide GA IT Envoys Set December Deadline Membership Goal and Target Envoys from 116 nations have endorsed a final deadline of mid-December for completing County Farm Bureau membership workers and insurance agents combined efforts to reach world trade talks, which then would be signed at a ministerial meeting in April. GAIT Chief statewide membership goal of 124,568 total members and statewide target of 45,100 total Peter Sutherland firmly set Dec. 15 as the make-or-break date to clinch a pact to liberalize regular (farmer) members. Out of the 69 organized county Farm Bureaus, 59 reached their world trade. Sutherland emphasized twice that there would be no extension. target objective for the year, while 40 out of 69 counties reached their overall membership goal for the membership year which concluded Aug. 31. Andrew Stoler, acting head of the U.S. Trade Representative's Office, welcomed the firm deadline. "We have always felt that mid-December would be time enough," he told Reuters According to MFB Administrative Director Chuck Burkett, reaching both goal and target News Senl;ce. "If we can't do it by then, then it's too bad. We can hardly take issue with is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects well on the efforts put forth by county the date, as we are basically the ones who set it under our fast-track process." volunteers, Farm Bureau Insurance agents and county secretaries. He said that surpassing the target objective vividly demonstrates that farmers in Michigan regard Michigan Farm President Clinton must inform Congress by Dec. 15 whether he intends to sign the Bureau as the pre-eminent <;>rganizationfor making things happen in their county and state. agreement. Under fast-track, the administration would then have 120 days, or until mid- April, to sign it. "While our membership accomplishment is a great victory, the job's not over yet," Burkett said. "Our challenge now is to energize and involve these new members by inviting them Ag Trade Surplus to Hit $17.5 Billion to events like the county annual, Lansing Legislative Seminar, the MFB annual meeting and other events to show them that their investment in Farm Bureau will be time well-spent The latest USDA estimate of agricultural exports for fiscal 1993, which ends Sept. 30, stands on behalf of their farms, their industry, and their personal growth." at $42.5 billion, unchanged from a May estimate and slightly above the $42.3 billion seen in fiscal 1992, according to a recent USDA report. Disaster Program Sign-up Periods Announced Prospects for exports of com, cotton and tobacco have worsened since May, but the outlook The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is conducting a sign-up through its for sales of horticultural and other high-value goods has improved. Total export volume Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) for 1990 through 1992 crop forecasts are down by 3 million metric tons since May, reflecting mostly the diminished losses including quality adjustments. The sign-up period extends through Sept. 17 and sales of com, USDA said. applies only to 1990-92 losses of com, wheat, barley, oats, grain sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets and sunflowers. Despite the latest revisions, com exports are still expected to surpass last year's total of 40.6 million tons. Wheat exports this year are estimated at 35.5 million tons, up from 34.3 million Any producer who feels he or she has suffered a loss of production for these specific crops, last fiscal year. Soybean exports will be 20.5 million tons, up a little from the 19.2 million for 1990-92, including adjustments for poor quality, should apply for benefits at the county sold last year. The nation's agricultural trade surplus for fiscal 1993 is projected at $17.5 ASCS office before close of business Sept. 17. There are no provisions to accept applica- billion, the USDA said. tions after Sept. 17. Wheat and Corn ARP for 1994 Announced In addition, ASCS is conducting a sign-up period for 1993 crop losses through March 4, 1994. Any producer who suffers a 1993 loss for virtually any crop should contact the county The USDA has decided to maintain the zero ARP (acreage reduction program) for the 1994 ASCS office as soon as the loss becomes apparent and no later than March 4, 1994. For wheat crop, the same as it had in 1993. The Sparks Company translates this into a 1994-95 more information, contact your local ASCS office. production level of just over 2.5 billion bushels and looks for a modest gain in carryout stocks at the end of that period, according to the Sparks Company's daily policy report. Frost Threat Pushes Corn and Soybean Prices Meanwhile, USDA is also expected to reduce the acreage reduction program for the 1994 com crop to 5 percent, from 10 percent in 1993. Sparks Companies pegs the harvest near The damage that could be done to late maturing crops by an early frost is keeping feed grain the midpoint of the range experienced in 1992 and 1993 at 8.55 billion bushels. and soybean markets edgy. USDA forecasts of low carryout inventories by the end of the current marketing year also adds strength to the futures markets. With usage expected to increase modestly in 1994-95 from the 1993-94 level of 8.1 billion bushels, to around 8.4 billion, the ending stocks would be expected to go from 1.6 billion The Agriculture Department estimates soybean stocks at a historically low 190 million bushels at the end of 1993-94 to 1.6 billion by the fall of 1995. bushels a year from now, and sets the com carryover going into the 1994 harvest at 1.41 billion bushels, according to the Wall Street Journal. Milk Production Steady in July Adding to the fear of frost damage is the fact that the latest crops are in the western and Fewer dairy cows and higher production per cow kept milk production at 11.0 billion northern sections of the Com Belt, where frost normally occurs earlier than in the eastern pounds in July, the same as it was in June. July milk production was just 0.85 percent higher portions of the Midwest. One analyst, Daniel W. Basse, market research director for than output of milk in July 1992, according to the AFBF's Commodity Digest. Chicago-based AgResource Co., says the chances of a killing frost are about 5.3 percent, according to the Journal. Basse said there have been only five killing frosts (ones that cause Among the 21 leading dairy producing states, Texas had the highest increase in production, considerable crop damage) since 1900. up 9 percent over July 1992. California production was up 3 percent and Wisconsin was down 2 percent. Production per cow for the 21 states was up 29 pounds in July, compared Market analysts will be watching Canadian weather patterns this fall, since killing frost to the same month a year earlier; but the number of cows on farms dropped 109,000 head there is thought to sharply increase the chance of similar weather here, the Journal said. from last July to 8.14 million head. The July figure was 6,000 head below the previous month. USDA Reorganization Still Under Review - County Office Reductions Likely Red Meat Production Declines The Department of Agriculture, comprised of 42 agencies, with 124,000 employees and U.S. commercial red meat production during July totaled 3.34 billion pounds, 3 percent thousands of offices located throughout the country, will be a target for reorganization, below a year ago. Beef production totaled 1.98 billion pounds, down 2 percent, while veal when Vice President Al Gore's task force on government reform reports its findings in production declined by 11 percent, pork production by 5 percent and lamb and mutton about a month. production by 5 percent, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Many analysts familiar with the quest to streamline the massive department say the As a member of the board of directors of the Michigan FFA Foundation, MFB reorganization may not be dealt with this year. The department and key congressional President Jack Laurie assisted in the presentation of the "Corporate Diamond committees will have to devote much time to consideration of the North American Free Award" to representatives of the Detroit Edison Company. FFA State President Trade Agreement, which may limit their ability to deal with department reorganization. John Schut, Hopkins, and Sue Ann Stuever, FFA state reporter, Capac, made the presentation to (left) John Howell, director, North Area Energy Center, and (right) Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy is already at work on his plan to reorganize the USDA's Bob Howard, manager, Thumb Division, during the FFA State Officer Leadership Washington headquarters. Espy's reorganization plan calls for establishment of a super Workshop held at Detroit Edison's corporate office earlier this summer. Farm Service Agency combining functions of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conser- vation Service, the Soil Conservation Service and the Farmers Home Administration. Espy has a rough plan for reorganizing and reducing the number of field offices and cutting the department from 42 agencies to 30. Plans to reorganize and streamline the department originated with Secretary Ed Madigan in the Bush administration, but have been slowed by the change of administration and the pressure of other priorities. The MICHIGAN FARM NEWS (ISSN:0743-9962) is published semi-monthly except in the months of November, December, June, and July when only one issue is printed, as a service to regular members" by Michigan Farm Bureau, 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, M148917. Member subscription price of $1.50 included in annual dues of Michigan Farm Bureau regular members. Additional subscription fees required for mailing Michigan Farm News to non-members and outside the continental U.S.A. Second-Class Postage paid at Lansing, MI and additional mailing offices. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to: Editor, Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Farm News, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, MI 48909-8460. Editorial: Dennis Rudat, Editor and Business Manager. Staff Contributors: Mike Rogers; Connie Lawson; Donna Wilber; Henry Huisjen. Officers: President, Jack Laurie, Cass City; Vice President, Wayne Wood, Marlette; Administrative Director, Chuck Burkett; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tom Parker; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. Directors: District 1, Jim Miller, Coloma; District 2, Blaine VanSickle, Marshall; District 3, Diane Horning, Manchester; District 4, Tom Guthrie, Delton; District 5, Mark Smuts, Charlotte; District 6, Wayne Wood, Marlette; District 7, Larry Snider, Hart; District 8, Richard Leach, Saginaw; District 9, Joshua Wunsch, Traverse City; District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District 11, Robert Wahmhoff, Baraga. At-Large: Douglas Darling, Maybee; Jack Laurie, Cass City; Faye Adam, Snover; Jan Vosburg, Climax. Promotion and Education, Paul Swartzendruber, Pigeon; Young Farmers, Kurt Inman, Sturgis. Michigan Farm News ITOL o -. September 15, 1993 o :D Z m :D C.oastal Zone Management Act Reauthorization Amendments Wetlands Policy MFB Position: In 1990, Congress passe a amendments to the Coastal Zone MFB Position: President Clinton has announced a new policy for the ..DNR staff has formed an Management Act (CZMA). Section 6217 requires states to Farm Bureau is pleased regulation of wetlands. Many of the changes will be ac- ..advisory committee. for establish coastal nonpoint programs which must be ap- the new policy addresses complished by Executive Order or regulation while some overall policy discussions proved by both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- these areas of concern to will require Congress to enact legislation before they be- and several work groups ministration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection agriculture regarding wet- come effecti ve. ...to'address various sources Agency (EPA). land regulation. The policy is being analyzed Among the nearly 40 changes are the following which are ofppnpoint sour~~pollu- of significance to agriculture: Beginning in fiscal year 1996, states that fail to submit an in more detail and more tipn'M:.~h,,~ B~rn<;1sked approvable coastal nonpoint program to NOAA and EP A to seI?:~ront~~.9yeraU ad- information will be 1. Wetlands that were converted to farm use before face statutory reduction's in federal funds awarded under forthcoming. 1985 will not be subject to federal regulation as if they visory<;drfun.itt.~e and on the agrictlHural .work both section 306 of the CZMA and section 319 of the were still wetlands. group.I)iscussions are Clean \yater Act (CWA) which address nonpoint source MFB Contact: taking plac;:eregarding the pollution voluntarily with cost share assistance. Al Almy, Ext. 2040 It is estimated that 53 million acres of farmland will be possibility: of MDA protected from wetlands regulation by this policy. Farm 'Fhecentral purpose of section6217 is to strengthen the Bureau has long supported the exemption of prior con- taking the lead agency links between federal and state coastal zone management role in regards to agricul- verted wetlands. and water quality programs in order to enhance state and ture. local efforts to manage land use activities that degrade 2. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) will be respon- coastal waters and coastal habitats. This is to be ac- sible for designating wetlands on farmland. MFB Contact: complished primarily through the implementation of: Vicki Pontz, Ext. 2046 Although the policy may give some oversight role to the (1) Enforceable management measures in conformity with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protec- guidance published by EP A. tion Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, these agencies are not expected to be as involved as previously (2) Additional state-developed management measures as in wetland designations on farmland. necessary to achieve and maintain applicable water quality standards. Farm Bureau has been the leading supporter of the SCS being the primary agency farmers should deal with in wet- At this time, it appears that the entire state of Michigan, land determinations. with the exception of a small portion of the southwest 3. The 1987 criteria will be used in determining if an Upper Peninsula, will be covered by the amendments. The area is a wetland. agricultural program will need to control nutrients, sedi- ment, animal wastes, salts, herbicides and protect habitats. The 1987 criteria requires the presence of hydric soils, the presence of water just below the soil surface, and the - EPA's PublislJect "CZMA Guidance" Documents - presence of vegetation commonly found in a wetland. / Erosion and Sediment Control Pesticide Measures - Controls will be re- Farm Bureau has consistently called for all three of these Measures - All farmerswithinthecoastal quired to reduce contamination of surface criteria to be present before an area is designated as a wet- ....b9tlVdary will need to have a resource and groundwater from pesticides including land. m(lnageJ11~ntsystemin:place that satisfies Integrated Pest Management strategies, or- .....•. criteria contained. in theSCS Field Office ganic farming techniques, record-keeping, Jec~nical (]l1ide. These measures apply to calibration of spray equipment and anti- Michigan Farm Bureau (517) 323-7000 : all activities that cause erosion on agricul- backflow. devices. :...turalland~ .. ' Grazing Management - Controls will be Management~ Measures. for Fat;i1ity required for all activities on range, pasture Wastewater. and Runoff from Confined and other grazing lands to reduce the physi- AniPJalFacilities ;.Control measures will cal disturbance and direct loading of animal be required for all,new facilities regardless waste and sediment caused by livestock. <:>fsize;mdto all existing facilities with ...specified numbers of animals. Irrigation Water Management - Controls will be applied to all activities on irrigated Nutrient Management - Controls will be lands including agricultural crop and pas- required to minimize leaching.of nutrient ture land, orchard land, specialty cropland from the root zone. Farmers will be re- and nursery cropland. quired to develop, implement and peri- odically update a nutrient management plan for their farm. Medical Care Savings Accounts H.B.-4878, sponsored by Terry London, and co-sponsored MFB Position: by 25 other representatives, authorizes the establishment MFB supports the study of alternative methods of and maintenance of medical care savings accounts and ex- finance of health care empts.contributions to the account from taxation. costs, such as: H.B.-4879 would amend Michigan's Income Tax Act of • Allowing individuals Morton Buildings is leading the industry with: 1967 to facilitate the purpose of these accounts. Money and their employers tax placed in the account would receive the same tax treatment > New stntctural designs 1/ 5O-year column and snow-load protection incenti ves to make as money used to pay premiums for health insurance. > New stntctural capabilities (with no weight runit) deposits to medical IRA The medical care savings account program includes the > New color combinations 1/ 2D-year protection against red rust accounts designed to sup- purchase by an employer of a qualified higher deductible > New building styles (lncbJding acid rain) plement and eventually health plan for the benefit of an employee and his or her > New exterior applications replace coverage under 1/ 1D-year wlnd-load protection on dependents. It also allows the payment on behalf of an > New interior options Medicare. AJumaSteefD sOdlng doors (with no employee into the account by the employer. The maximum > New sliding door tecJvlOlogy • Allowing anrlUal weight DmIt) deductible would be $3,000. The employee could then > New gutter systems deposits by individuals to 1/ 5-year wlnd-load protection on complete withdraw unused money from his or her account on the > New infonnative video tapes Medisave accounts to use buikfmg (with no weight DmIt) last business day of the fiscal year. > New corrosion protection for medical expenses without tax penalty. A subcommittee of the House Insurance Committee has CBI)flU' Iot3 oIIIt:e btJyI held hearings on these bills and the full committee started Adrian, MI (517) 263-0541 MFB Contact: debate on Aug. 31, 1993. Rep. Mary Brown, Democratic • BOO--4<17-7436 Brown City, MI (313) 346-2702 Howard Kelly, Ext. 2044 co-chair of the House Insurance Committee has indicated she will schedule these bills for the second meeting of the Kalkaska, Rockford, MI (616) 25lJ..2580 MI (616)874-6400 ~T~MORTON committee in September. A federal version of this package is also being developed. Three Rivers, MI (616) 279-5271 a_ BUILDINGS e Michigan Farm News -. 3D-Day and 90-Day Forecast - Cooler Than Normal, Above Normal Precipitation September 15, 1993 Warm muggy conditions persisted for most Michigan Weather Summary of August, bringing seasonal growing de- gree day totals much closer to normal in 8/15/93 Temperature Growing Degree Days Precipitation most parts of the state. The real "weather to 9/15/93 Observed Dev. From Actual Normal Actual Normal story" for August, however, was the dis- Mean Normal Accum. Accum. (inch.) (inch) parity in precipitation between western and Alpena 68.2 + 3.0 1729 1744 5.67 3.12 southeastern sections of lower Michigan. Bad Axe " 69.9 + 1.2 2024 2092 5.25 2.93 Frequent rounds of thunderstorms in the Detroit 74.7 +4.0 2600 2278 1.60 3.12 west brought seasonal rainfall totals to as Escanaba 68.4 + 3.2 1526 1387 1.83 3.53 -Flint 70.8 +2.0 2273 2278 3.43 3.12 much as eight inches above normal (normal Grand Rapids 71.6 + 2.3 2264 2318 7.12 3.18 rainfall total for the April through August Houghton 67.4 + 4.1 1441 1597 3.36 3.69 period ranges from 14 to 16 inches). Houghton Lake 69.1 + 3.1 1913 1744 5.45 3.12 Jackson 70.7 - 0.2 2258 2269 3.38 3.36 Spotty light rains in the southeast corner of 2247 2269 3.78 3.36 Lansing 71.0 + 1.9 the state led to abnormally dry topsoils and 1463 1597 3.47 3.69 Marquette 66.0 + 3.6 drought stress of many crops. In addition, Muskegon 72.2 + 3.2 2217 1998 6.07 3.60 an abundance of damp, foggy days, led to Pellston 68.0 +4.0 1697 1802 2.54 3.11 continued disease pressure for field crops, Saginaw 71.4 + 1.9 2203 2092 4.74 2.93 fruits, and vegetables. Sault Ste. Marie 66.0 +2.6 1329 1387 2.84 3.53 South Bend 73.7 + 3.3 2548 2318 5.25 3.18 The long-term outlook for the upcoming Traverse City 70.5 + 2.5 1964 1802 3.25 3.11. harvest season is not a favorable one. The Vestaburg 69.8 + 0.8 1987 2074 7.88 3.64 newest National Weather Service 30-day and 90-day outlooks both call for cooler Observed and growing degree day totals are accumulated from March 1 - August 31. than normal temperatures, and normal to Normals are based on district averages. Jeff Andresen, Ag Meteorologist, MSU above normal precipitation. year, most farmers in Michigan will likely finish the 1993 growing season with a much While this generally is considered the worst better disposition than last year, considering the immature crops, and the widespread case scenario for agriculture this time of flooding experienced by our western neighbors this year. Mendon Wheat Variety Will be Released Under Private Michigan and Major Commodity Area License to Lakeside States Extended Weather Outlook T - Temp. 9/15 9130 9/15 11/31 A new soft red wheat, primarily intended years. In return, Lakeside States will pay an field trials replicated at six sites in southern for growth in southern Michigan, will be annual royalty fee to MSU. Michigan (Augusta averaged 80.7 and P - Precip. T P T .e available to growers for the 1994 fall plant- Frankenmuth averaged 78). Michigan B A B A W. Corn Belt N N B A ing. The new variety - Mendon - has been Bob Gast, director of the MSU Agricultural E. Corn Belt N NIB B A released by Michigan State University to Experiment Station, says that a portion of Mendon's highest per acre yield - 105 Wint. Wheat Belt A N BIN N Lakeside States, Inc., in Britton, through an the funds will be used to augment MSU's bushels - occurred in 1992. This year, the Spr. Wheat Belt B A B N exclusive licensing agreement reached in wheat variety research program. "How- variety averaged 67.8 bushels per acre, Pac. NW Wheat N N N N June. ever, the primary purpose of reaching compared with Frankenmuth at 58 bushels Delta A N N N/A agreements such as this is to get the new and Augusta at 58.6 bushels per acre. Southeast A N N1A N San Joaquin N B A N Lakeside States was one of several private varieties used as extensively and quickly as companies that submitted bids to MSU for possible," he said. Copeland says that Mendon has good A-Above Average, B-Below Average, N-Nor- the license. Under the agreement, Lakeside winter hardiness and flowers three to five mal, MA-Much Above, MB-Much Below, NP- States will be the sole distributor of certified Larry Copeland, MSU Extension seed days earlier than Frankenmuth and Augus- No Precip. Source: National Weather Office seed of the new variety for the next five specialist, says that the exclusive license ta. It produces a red kernel and has white contains the provision that Mendon seeds chaff and no awns. sales be accompanied by a vigorous promo- Wisconsin Scientist to Release a tion and education package. Mendon exhibits good field resistance to powdery mildew and wheat spindle streak New Winterhardy Alfalfa Variety "With this arrangement, we hope to maxi- mize the potential yield of this new variety virus. However, it is susceptible to lodging and virulent leaf rust races. "We believe The last two winters left Wisconsin alfalfa ice sheeting involves more than dorman- to provide the best return on investment that good cultural management will control fields shot full of holes. Some farmers lost cy," Bingham says. "Other varieties we possible to the grower," Copeland says. the weaknesses - this is the reason for the more than 80 percent of their alfalfa plants know to be extremely dormant did poorly educational package when growers buy each year. Statewide, 40 counties lost more in 1993. Survival under ice sheeting re- MSU's agronomic data show that Mendon seed," Copeland said. than half their alfalfa in 1993, even before quires special characteristics." Again, Ver- average 86.4 bushels per acre in 1992-93 the rains came. The whole state lost a third nal did quite well in Bingham's nurseries. of the crop. For Plant Geneticist Edwin Bingham, those losses showed it was time to introduce a "The early commercial varieties developed for the Upper Midwest were selections mostly or entirely from Vernal," Bingham ROOTS TO PROFITABILITY new alfalfa variety that could withstand the says. Therefore, Vernal's winter-hardiness worst of winters. Bingham's variety, traits were carried virtually intact into the ~,\" "1'1 Columbia, will be ready to plant in 1996. If 1970s. But as commercial breeders con- history is a guide, that should be soon tinued producing new cultivars in the enough to help farmers through the next 1970s and 80s, they shifted their emphasis disastrous winter. to varieties better able to resist disease and insects. "We've experienced severe al fal fa INCREASE WHEAT YIELDS WITH ACAII! winterkill about once every 10 years since One of Bingham's graduate students has the 1920s," says Bingham of the University now shown that many of the varieties with ofWisconsin-Madison's (UW) Department enhanced pest resistance are less able to ACA WHEAT TEST PLOTS of Agronomy. Winters in 1922, 1937, and withstand winters. Even though they have 1993 MICHIGAN 1949 were very hard for alfalfa, he says. multiple disease resistance, many of these varieties fade by the third year, Bingham UW researchers released their first and only says. By comparison, Vernal does not fade, alfalfa variety in 1953. Called Vernal, it was producing more feed in the third, fourth selected after-the 1949 winter because it did and fifth years than many newer varieties. Early Results Are In! better under the ice sheeting that year than 1993 Michigan grower test plots yielded an average of any other alfalfa. R.A. Brink, Bingham's "The genetic material in our new variety 5,,2more bushels of wheat per acre predecessor and one of Vernal's includes about one-half Vernal-derived developers, described it as "winter proof." parents and one-half parents from commer- where ACA was used. The highest yield cial sources that have survived at least six increase was 8,,5 bushels per acre! "In 1992, we had a cold snap in November Wisconsin winters, including the last two," Now is the time to treat your wheat with ACA to gain your that some say did in the alfalfa," Bingham he says. Because even the commercial says. But he believes the warm weather of sources got about half their genes from advantage. ACA can be added to, or impregnated, on January, February and March was harder on Vernal sources, Bingham estimates that his your fall starter fertilizer to boost your yields. alfalfa. Many of the plants were not really new variety may be as much as 75 percent dormant at that time. They used up their Vernal .. GET THEACA ADVANTAGE! energy reserves and died before spring. Vernal, however, remained dormant and Since the commercial parents have the • Better plant stand establishment survived the winter in good shape. "During 1993, most of the alfalfa in same high level of bacterial wilt resistance as Vernal and have higher levels of resis- tance to several other disease and insects, • • • • Stronger more fibrous root system Increased winter survival Plants are more vigorous and productive Easy and convenient to apply 1111 Contact your local southern Wisconsin was clobbered again, the result is an alfalfa variety that yields • Enhanced fall and early spring root growth Clean Crop Dealer this time by ice sheeting. Ice sheeting oc- about as well as commercial seed and • Enhanced drought tolerance or call 1-800-292-2701 curs when cold rains coat plants with ice or resists many diseases and insects. Growers • Affordable and effective for additional Information on standing water freezes over plants, will produce certified Columbia seed in • Increased yields THEACA ADVANTAGEI smothering them. The ability to withstand 1995, and it will be for planting in 1996. Michigan Farm News September 15, 1993 Some of the hidden causes of stray voltage are in plain sight. What makes stray voltage such an exasperating problem? One major reason is that it can be caused by so many different conditions. And many of them are in plain sight! Here are some of the most comlnon conditions that can reduce the safety level of YOLlr electric systeln and make stray voltage a serious probleln. • Broken or disconnected electrical conduits, missing covers OIl. electrical panels all.dboxes, badly rusted conduits or electrical boxes. • Cables and extension cords in contact with lnetal pipes, stalls or equiplnent and cables or wires entering boxes without cable fittings . • Ilnproper grounding, including lnissing connections to ground rods at electrical panels in locations such as at a meter pole, barn, milking area or feeding system. • Electric fences that are grounded to stalls or water pipes rather than to their own individual ground rod. The next step ... If you think you have a stray voltage problem, call our stray voltage specialists at 1....800 .... VOLT or your 252 .... local Consumers Po\ver office at 1-800-477-5050. Consumers power PDW£IUNIi .'CIIIIiAN'S PRDliRa5 Michigan Farm News September 15, 1993 Market Outlook ... ...... . ••••••••r1.• ••••.•• ••••••• ••••• ~.'I Dr. Jim Hilker, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, MSU Seasonal Commodity Price Trends E~RM •••••••• •••• ,J •••~~ •••• ~ •••••••• ,j ••• • ' J.;:::.. •••• . CROPS Dairy Market Outlook BUSINESS There are a lot of similarities among Wheat -, Dr. Larry G. Hamm Dept. of Agricultural marketing strategies for corn, wheat and soybeans at this time. Therefore, I am going to depart from the normal format of going Corn i? Economics, MSU It's fall and schools are back in session. The OUTLOOK through crop by crop and discuss all three food distribution system is beginning to Reported cheese inventories are not exces- at once. Soybeans i? book product for the holiday seasons. This is the time of year milk prices go up - sive by historic standards. The cash market The other problem with discussing each individually is, I am writing this article Hogs - ! normally. price for cheese, as reported by tl:te Nation- al Cheese Exchange, has stabilized and seven days before the release of the Septem- ber Grop Report and you are receiving it after the report is released. Make sure you Cattle - Unfortunately, farm milk prices this year are. declining. They rose this spring and summer when normally they decline. Have even increased recently. All of these factors combine to suggest that milk prices can incre~se later this fall. dairy markets been turned upside down or have looked at the Crop Report closely. i Index: = Higher Prices;! = Lower Prices; is 1993 turning into an unusual year? Since However, the price outlook is very tenuous While we will discuss it in the next issue TP= Topping; BT = Bottoming; ? = Unsure because of two factors. First, milk produc- most of the market reaction will have al~ the end of the buyout in 1987, there has not been a normal dairy year. So, 1993 is a tion is increasing rapidly in other dairy ready taken place. demand side. While the futures markets typical year in that it is breaking down old states (California, Texas, Washington). show some carryover, it is not large. The notions of dairy markets. The recent price declines, combined with In summary, I feel the last good potential possible feed price increases, have not yet for a market rally for all three crops will be demand part that scares me the most is exports, or rather I should say lack of ex- The August Minnesota-Wisconsin (M- W) hit these production regions. from between the release of the Crop Report and very early October. ports. price decline was the third month in a row. Since federal order milk prices lag behind Second, the impacts of poor and/or unavail- Corn exports are forecast to be down over the M- W, farm pay prices will continue to able feedstocks on Wisconsin's industry STRATEGY: 12 percent, to the lowest level in eight years. decline for the next couple of months. are not yet predictable. With a late frost, Consider being ready to pull the trigger Soybean and wheat exports are expected to When markets decline, attention focuses on Wisconsin may be able to get enough feed on pricing much of the un priced portions be down 15 percent, the lowest level in three speculation when they will stop. The worst put up to avoid accelerated culling. An of your crops if we ha ve a rally. There are years. And while livestock numbers will case situation is that the M- W would not early frost could dramatically turn the milk several things that could bring around continue to grow and, therefore, keep feed stop declining until it reaches the support output projections and the M- W around. this rally. One is the Crop Report having shown that there is less out there than demand fairly strong, it will not come close price around $10 per cwt. The industry to making up for the loss in exports. remembers the 1990-91 price crash. In summary, milk prices are projected to expected. If that is the case, you are in the decline for the next few months, but then rally now and need to be taking ad- In theory, the markets should adjust on the Fortunately, the M-W will not go much turn around late this ye~lr. Many vantage of it. demand side at the same time that they are lower this fall. Many analysts (including producers wish that economists' predic- adjusting on the supply side. But my obser- this one) think the M-W will actually in- tions are right, at least once in a "blue Another is frost; there are large portions vation historically is that there is a lag. We crease later this fall. Milk production in moon." Well, wejusthada "blue moon." of the upper mid and western Corn Belt have weather problems, like this year, Wisconsin and Minnesota is declining and Hopefully, the prediction of rising prices that would sustain considerable damage which cut supply and when the market ad- cheese demand is still growing. late this fall will b~ right! with an early frost due to the late maturity of the corn and soybean crops. justs the price up to account for this, it does A normal freeze could well get a bunch. not adjust its perception of demand down We will know whether this is going to enough. Cherry Industry's Hard Times happen soon. Remember, both the scare A price adjustment then takes place later as the higher price causes less to be used Prompts Federal Market Order of a frost and the initial reaction to a frost tend to help prices more than the actual through the year than expected. And this is why I am very concerned about carrying a Application damage when known. Therefore, you have to be ready to price by being on top lot of corn, soybeans or wheat into rhe After incorporating numerous sugges- happens or not, it's important that of what is happening in the market. You storage season. Once the size of the crops tions from various members of the Tart everybody gets an opportunity to review it can't wait for the next. issue of the are known, the market will start reacting to Cherry Industry Federal Marketing Order and then vote on it." Michigan Farm News Market Outlook. the demand side which I feel may even be Committee, and an even greater number of weaker than the present forecasts. suggestions from USDA, a formal request Harmson said a market order would help Another factor is the spring wheat crop may for a federal marketing order was filed with restore profitability and order to a chaotic not come in as high as expected due to And with adequate ending stocks, in a USDA, under the Agricultural Marketing cherry market that's seen its share of ups and disease, and this may not show up in the pipeline sense, and there still being the ex- Act of 1937. downs in the past seven years since the September report, but rather as they harvest cess capacity of the U.S. to produce, there previous market order was discontinued. it in September. Again, the gains from this does not seem to be a reason for the markets While the formal request is quite lengthy may not last. And for it to have much effect, to panic unless we have another disaster and will likely undergo several revisions as "A lot of work has gone into this particular it would need to happen in the same time next year. it proceeds through the USDA's review market order with input from a number of period as the scares mentioned for com and and hearing process, growers will have the different facets of the cherry industry, soybeans. In Michigan, it appears we will have good final say on the federal marketing order via making it quite different from the .last com and soybean crops in large parts of the a grower/processor referendum, according order," he said. "This federal market order Why am I so intent on being ready to price state. Consider taking advantage of the rela- to MACMA General Manager Randy is much more comprehensive and there are so much in the near term? The reason is the tively good prices we have been seeing. Harmson. more tools that can help the industry." "This marketing order is, after all, intended Efforts have been and are being made in CATTLE to help the producers," Harmson said. "I Washington, D.C., to expedite the review know there are a lot of people that would and hearing process so that the industry can There are a lot of cattle in the feedlots and not due to lower weights. However, I ex- like to. see this marketing order in place in vote on the federal market order possibly as we will be seeing them from now through pect weights to keep creeping up along time for next year's crop. Whether that early as this coming winter. most of the fall is what the latest USDA with higher s~aughter and this will keep 7-State Cattle-On-Feed Report seems to in- pressure on pnces. - dicate. The August report showed 9 percent Monitor for Foliar Diseases that May Appear on Corn more cattle on feed than last year at this Keep very current on cattle ready for market. On those that will be ready later in Plants - Adjust Harvesting Plans Accordingly time. It also showed that 4 percent more cattle were placed in July 1993 than July the fall, watch for pricing opportunities. Futures above $76 per cwt. for the October Fo!?gy morn~ngs, heavy dew; ab~ndant rainfall and high temperatures and humidity create 1992. and December contracts seem a little high an Ideal envI~onment fo~ foh~r disease problems in com. Mark Mattingly, Northrup King C,o. agronomist, says ~ohar d~seases are present to some degree every year. Their effect on While slaughter has been up in August, to to me, although we could see cattle that high by the end of the year. Yield depends on the mter~c~lO~ bet~een t~e pathogens, corn plants and the environment. date from last year, production probably is Sound management can minImize disease Impact on yields and profits. HOGS Some of the major foliar diseases include Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) Southern Com Leaf Blight (SCLB),. Anthracnose and Gray Leaf Spot (GLS). Corn grow~rs should Hog slaughter continues to run below year Given the fundamental information we scout for these and other diseases throughout the year. ago levels contrary to the June Hogs and have to work with, the futures markets seem Pigs Report, and this has been reflected in to be at or above what we would expect. But Matting.ly says the c?ntinuing incre~se in ~o-till and minimum-till practices leaves more the prices. If this continues for much longer, given what we are seeing in numbers, it is crop resldu.e on t~e SOlIsurfac~, creat~ng a pnmary over-wintering site for disease pathogens. it means the hogs were never there. And the ~ard to get excited to do any forward pric- Splash dunng ral~. the followmg ,spnng can t~en move pathogens from the soil to growing report showed that slaughter this fall is not mg. plants. Cr0thdir~c- farm products (see graph on this page). scheme and guarantee a minimum access to tions. By the end of the transItIOn pe~od Since the mid-1980's, when Mexico em- HORTICUL TURAL CROPS the U.S. of50,000 tons with no tariff. Quan- The current trade balance in the sector is trade is expected to boost U.S. cattle pnces barked on a market-oriented policy agenda, tities above the quota will be assessed a heavily in Mexico's favor and comprises a by 50 cents to $1 per hundred poun~s, U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico have tariff, but the quota and tariff will be phased significant portion of their farm exports to which will create an added $200-400 mIl- increased two and one-half times to $3.8 out over 15 years. the U.S. Mexico is expected to gam from lion in annual industry revenues. billion in 1992. NAFTA tariff reductions in winter SUGAR At the same time, total sales of U.S. goods vegetables, citrus, melons and cut flowers. SWINE and PORK Both the U.S. and Mexico are net importers Despite high tariffs, Mexico has been a and services to Mexico have grown from However, the U.S. will also gain from im- of sugar. NAFf A is expected to have little proved access to Mexico for potatoes and growing market for U.S. hogs and pork $12 billion to $41 billion. Mexicans have a effect on the U.S. sugar industry for at least several noncitrus tree fruits. products. NAFT A is expected to double strong preference for U.S. products, which the first six years of the transition period. the market for U.S. pork, resulting in a is shown in the $380 per person annual Mexico will be allowed to increase it's $50-100 million gain for U.S. producers. purchases of U.S. goods and services. DAIRY quota from 7,258 to 25,0~0. metric tons Mexico is the world's largest importer of during this period, but only If It becomes a milk powder. The U.S. annually exports POULTRY These purchases represent almost as much net sugar exporter. The U.S. supplies almost all of Mexico's as the average Japanese ($400) who has about 40,000 tons of non-fat dry milk to Mexico. These exports are projected to poultry imports. This rapidly growing earnings 10 times the average Mexican. In the seventh year, Mexico will be allowed grow to 55-65,000 tons by the en~ ofthe 15 market represents 100,000 tons of exports NAFf A will help lock-in our recent export to ship up to 150,000 tons (increas~d ?~ 10 year transition period, for a gam of $36 per year, or about 16 percent of U.S. poultry gains, and should assure future export percent per year), but again, only If It IS.a million in additional sales. Annual exports exports. Further U.S. export sales under growth by stimulating demand for food net exporter of sugar. Furthermore, If of other dairy products to Mexico are ex- NAFTA will benefit by removal of well beyond what Mexican agriculture can Mexico is a net exporter for two consecu- pected to total $200-250 million, about 15 Mexican licensing barriers and from in- produce. tive years, the limits on Mexican imports percent more than without NAFT A. come growth in Mexico. are removed altogether. With NAFfA, the U.S.lMexico playing field will be balanced by the removal of To become a net exporter, Mexico would have to convert its soft drink industry to A Look at Mexico's Agriculture tariff and non-tariff barriers in Mexico. By eliminating these barriers (Mexican tariffs Mexico is a developing country with an feeding has occurred in swine, poultry and average two and one-half times the average high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This economy about 20 times smaller than the egg operations. Cattle. production is larg~ly U.S. tariff) our farm products will become could free up a substantial amount of sugar U.S. Mexico tends to be more densely range-fed. Major hortIcultural crops for m- even more competitive and available in the for export to the U.S., requiring that imports populated than the U.S. with approximately ternal consumption and export to the U.S. Mexican market. one-quarter of the population living in the are tomatoes, peppers, melons, cauliflower, OVERALL IMPACT TO Mexico City area. broccoli, onions, cucumbers, mangoes, Less tangi ble benefi ts will be in the U.S. AGRICUL TURE table grapes and squash. development of a more stable political and A significant portion of their labor force is economic system in Mexico. and in their NAFf A will lead to increased efficiency unemployed or underemployed. Since the Government farm policies have become ability to use economic growth to address late 1980' s, an outward-looking and more market-oriented since the mid- environmental problems. By approving and market opportunities in both Mexico market-oriented government agenda has 1980's, and many support programs have NAFT A, we will also send a message to the and the U.S., but most of the advantage will enabled Mexico to realize significant been eliminated or scaled back. world that the U.S. intends to remain be tipped in favor of the U.S. economic growth while reducing both in- globally competitive. flation and foreign debt. Irrigation is used ~n approximately .12~il- By the end of the transition peri?d, .U.S. lion acres of MeXican farmland, pnmanly IfNAFf A is rejected, our trade relationship agricultural exports to Mexico WIll lIkely Agriculture in Mexico represents 9 percent on larger farms in the arid north. Much of with Mexico will be imperiled. Mexico will be a modest $2-2.5 billion greater, and farm of the country's Gross Domestic Product the irrigation construction and main- be free to use and even strengthen barriers cash prices 3 percent higher, th~n without and employs 26 percent of the work force. tenance has been provided by government to keep our exports out and turn to others, N AFT A. Grains, oilseeds, ammals and Mexico has 57 million acres of arable land subsidies, which in recent years have been such as Japan or the European Community, meat products will lead in the expansion. producing a wide variety of c?mmodities in curtailed. to secure long term trade relationships. This both "traditional" (subSistence) and action could cause us to be "shut out" of this Mexico will also see agricultural exp0!'l~ to "modern" (commercial) systems. Two- Irrigation is used extensively on winter the U.S. expand under NAFf A - nsm.g growing market with a resulting. negative thirds of Mexico is arid or semi-arid. vegetable and wheat production .. Due to impact on U.S. exports sales and jobs. $500-600 million by the end of the tranSI- increasing water demand for thIS short tion period. Noncompetitive products such resource, groundwater supplies are being .Com occupies half of all cropland followed (This analysis is prepared from material compiled as coffee cocoa and bananas, and compet- depleted, and in several areas salinity of the by dry beans, sorghum and wheat. Principal by USDA, U.S. Congressional Budg~t Office, U.S. ing prod~cts including ve&etables, ~ruit and water and soil has become a deterrent to animal products are beef,. pork, poultry, International Trade Commission and the feeder cattle will see an mcrease m trade eggs and dairy. Some adaptIOn to confined production of some crops. 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If the D U.S. manufacturers, no longer able to the rest of the world that the U.S. intends to NAFT A had to live or die solely on the basis 0 U.S. import tariffs on Mexican goods, export to Mexico, move factories into compete in world markets and knows it can. of the two most frequently mentioned con- which average less than 4 percent, Mexico in order to avoid Mexican cerns, jobs and the environment, it would remain in place. tariffs, and more U.S. jobs are lost. The impact on U.S. credibility in world pass Congress fairly easily. affairs, if Congress rejects NAFT A, could D Mexico's tariffs, which average over D The Mexican economy fails to be devastating. Other nations would have NAFTA has been shown by nearly all 10 per- generate to be enormously perplexed by a decision studies to be a net job creator for the United cent and Anyone interested in the number of new jobs to turn our backs on our third best market States, and many (prob'\bly most) environ- which and more and on an agreement that is so much to our mental groups now agree that NAFT A will can be U.S. jobs at risk if NAFTA is Mexicans favor, especially when good export markets actually have a beneficial effect on the en- legally in- rejected need only look at the emigrate are now so important to our economy. vironment. creased to to the 50 per- composition of our $41 billion in United Discussion Questions: When the bipartisan U.S. International cent, exports to Mexico. States Trade Commi ssion and Congressional remain in looking 1. What potential does NAFT A have for Budget Office agree that NAFT A will cre- place or are increased on U.S. for work, and more U.S. jobs are lost. benefitting Michigan agriculture? ate jobs in this country, and when many products. mainstream environmental groups say that No one should suggest that NAFT A is a 2. What potential does NAFT A have for a more prosperous Mexico will actually D Mexico's tariffs on products from perfect agreement. No trade agreement improving Michigan's economy? help the environment, most members of Canada are reduced to zero, since the ever is, or ever could be. A perfect trade Congress can be expected to take notice. agreement has already been approved agreement for the U.S. would be one in 3. What will Michigan and our nation by Canada's parliament, and Mexico which the other countries make all conces- lose if NAFT A is not ultimately ap- The public's perception of the NAFT A that reduces tariffs on products from other sions and we make none. Of course such an proved? it's full of horrors, and more are being found countries under new trade agreements. agreement could not happen. every day. In reality, most opponents of 4. What can Farm Bureau members do NAFTA would not support any NAFTA as D U.S. exports, facing high tariffs, can NAFT A will create jobs in both the U.S. to assure Congress approves NAFT A? long as the "FT" in the name stand for "free no longer compete against freely and Mexico. It will help protect the en- trade". The irony is that NAFT A would actually level a playing field that has been tipped in Mexico's favor for many years. Mexico has much freer access to our market than we have to Mexico's. Our tariffs average less than 4 percent; Mexico's average well over 10 percent. Despite this preferential treatment for Mexico, we have a $5.6 billion favorable FACF5 trade balance with Mexico which will only increase under NAFf A. Mexicans prefer products from the United States and spend a higher proportion of their income on them than does any other country in the world. OF OUR If we reject NAFT A, we can expect Mexico to turn to other countries for a stable, long term trade relationship, and we can expect INSUREDS. to lose our full share of that market to Canada, Japan, the European Community Worry? Not them. or other countries more willing to negotiate trade agreements. Many Americans de- pendent on these exports will lose their jobs. And why should you when you can protect your life savings with a Will Congress approve an adjustment assis- Long Term Care Plan from AMEX Life Assurance Company? tance program for these workers? Regrettably, two in five older adults will require nursing home care.1 Anyone interested in the U.S. jobs at risk if NAFT A is rejected need only look at the With costs averaging about $30,000 per year2 it's easy to see just how composition of our $41 billion in exports to devastating this can be. Mexico. They range from agricultural products to heavy machinery, services, con- sumer appliances, computers, electric and But it doesn't have to be this way. electronic equipment, transportation equip- ment, chemical products, wood products, With AMEX Life you can plan on peace of mind. AMEX Life, an and on and on. American Express company, has over 16 years experience in long-term If you think your state is immune to job care insurance and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.3 losses if trade with Mexico is curtailed, think again. Since 1986, when Mexico Don't be worried by the costs of long-term care. Call or write today for began opening its doors to more U.S. goods more information from your local Farm Bureau Insurance Agent on the and services, our exports there have jumped from $12 billion to $41 billion and that options available to you. growth has come from 48 states. Representing: How many jobs are at risk? Over 700,~00 AMEX Life Assurance Company Americans are now at work supplYIng II @ goods and services to Mexico. a subsidiary of TRAVEL RELATED Under NAFT A, another 200,000 will be put @ SERVICES to work. If Mexico decides it can obtain from other countries even half of the goods 1. Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, HIAA 1989 it would be importing from the U.S., 2. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 13, 1990 450,000 Americans will lose their jobs. 3. Independent analysts of the insurance industry who base their analysis on financial strength and operating performance. Even so, many people wonder what would be so bad about leaving things the way they TO RECEIVE ADDmONAL INFORMATION AND AN AIIEX BROCHURE/APPUCATION - AU. OUT THE COUPON BELOW are? Why take a chance with the unknown? OR CALL DIRECT 1~~-2680J EXT•• 3231. Please Print The truth is, NAFT A has been studied so _ .. /tIICHIGAN extensively that we know that it will expand .... FAR/tl BlJREAlJ Name exports and increase jobs. Please mail to: Michigan Farm Bureau Address The real risk is that by rejecting NAFT A, Membership Services we could be sacrificing thousands of P.O. Box 30960 City State ZIP American jobs. Lansing, MI 48909 Phone County MFN -. Michigan Farm News September 15, 1993 1m Protect Your Forage Harvester with a Preventive Maintenance Program now before you really need the machine in the field," he says. "Check all the chains and The silage season will soon be on us, and there's no better time than right now to get make sure there are no frozen links." your forage harvester ready for a season's use. Since the attachment head is probably off With proper maintenance and care, you your harvester, LeFever also suggests check- may be able to get longer and more satisfac- ing all the heads thoroughly. tory use from your current forage harvester, "With the attachments off the harvester, according to Terry LeFever, Gehl harvester you can get into the cylinder ,area and make product manager, who says the first and most the necessary checks and adjustments there," important step is to review the operator's he says. "Two items to look for in particular manual that came with the machine. are the stem guides or vertical cutterbars. "It's quite common for owners to go over These guides prevent material from sliding the operator's manual when the machine is past the sides of the knives. The guides new and then to occasionally review it after- should be properly adjusted. If any guides wards," LeFever says. "Now is the time to need to be replaced, do it before you go reacquaint yourself with both the harvester through all the labor of mounting the attach- -and the manual." ment head on the harvester. Lubrication Schedules "While you're working in the cylinder LeFever recommends paying special atten- area, check the adjustment of the scraper. The tion to the lubrication schedules in the scraper keeps the roller clean, and if you set manual. With the book in hand, go over the it properly, this will save tractor power and harvester thoroughly, making sure you find all fuel. the lubrication points. "Then check the cylinder itself and the "This is important if someone else on the knives. If any need replacing, take care ofthat now." one-sixteenth to one-thirty-second of an inch LeFever advises checking all pulleys, farm is going to be operating the machine belts and electric control wires. Keep the areas during the season," he says. "Make sure the Blower Compartment from the rim sheet. We recommend that for Moving to the back of the harvester, LeFever our harvesters. Also check your operator's around the electric and hydraulic controls operator knows how much, how often and clean. where to lubricate, and with what." suggests checking the blower. "Open the manual since adjustments may vary from covers to the blower compartment and move machine to machine. If you find dents in the "No matter what kind of forage harvester The next step, according to LeFever, is to you have, please read through the operator's check all hydraulic lines. "Look for leaks, and the paddles, one by one, to the 6 o'clock rim sheet or any bent paddles, make the re- position," he says. "Then adjust them from placements and repairs now." manual for explicit detail and procedures on if you find a bad coupling or hose, replace it maintaining and adjusting your forage har- vester," he says. "If you give it a little tender loving care before you take it into the field, you may be able to continue getting a good return on your investment." For safety reasons, LeFever recommends disconnecting the PTO before making any checks or adjustments on the harvester. Three Simpie Adjustments to Reduce Corn Head Downtime It's critical that your com head attach- ment is in tip-top shape for harvest time. By making a few key adjustments to the com head now, you can reduce costly down time during the harvest season. Terry LeFever, Gehl Company's forage harvester product manager, says there are three important com head settings to check before heading to the fields. l.First, the knives should be set so they ·.. ·, 99 1799 rub lightly against the rotor sickles. 2. Second, the corn head's crop guides should have a vertical gap of one-six- teenth to three-sixteenths of an inch from 99 13 Available in 5 gallon the knives. GAL. cons only. Choose from 3. Third, maintaining a three-sixteenths to Reg.$21.49 alkyd or latex in white or 99 14 five-sixteenths of an inch distance from red. (B42RA12, B42WA 12, the end of the crop guide to the knife ~:$'18.49 B46RA5. B46WA35) 12 holder plate is also important. GAL. These adjustments will reduce plugging R $1999 (Guarantee or limited warranty on all Sherwin-Williams coatings. See label GAL. eg .. for details. All paint shown offers one coat coverage. applied as directed.) and hairpinning and insure proper cutting of the corn crop, even when harvesting in Reg.$18.49 weedy fields or in down or tangled com. WERNER LeFever says if the knives are set too tight, the rotors will run too hot within a few seconds of operation. If this occurs, an ad- justment should be made so that the knife rubs just lightly on the rotor. When adjusting the knives, the rotor sickle shims should never be removed to set the rotor closer to the knives. These shims are installed ,to prevent the rotor from grinding down the heads of the knife mounting bolts. This clearance also keeps trash from packing under the knife. If left unchecked, packing can bend the rotor teeth. LeFever says it's also important to main- tain a minimum of one-sixteenth and a max- imum of three-sixteenths of an inch vertical gap between the bottom edge of the crop guide and the top of each knife. The proper crop guide setting allows plant material to pass through the com head KIll UNIVERSAl DRYLOK">WHITE MASONRY 6' AlUMINUM POWER PAINTER"> without getting caught. LeFever says this SEAlER-PRIMER-STAIN WATERPROOFER HOUSEHOLD 220 setting is especially important to maintain when harvesting in weedy fields or in down BLOCKER STEPLADDER or tangled stalks. LeFever says it is equally important to 9 119 18!!.2'~ 29!!99 maintain a three-sixteenths to five-sixteenths of an inch distance between the end of the GAL. crop guide and the knife holder plate. The Reg.$15.99 risk of plant material getting caught and plug- ging up the com head increases if this setting , Guaranteed to stop water on interior , Type III Household duty rating 'Complete painting kit with 5 ft. is not properly maintained. 'Seals stain & smoke damage and exterior masonry walls , Molded Tool-Tra@top suction tube for drawing paint When you notice that the com head is 'latex base for easy clean-up, low , Spill-Proof@pail she" with rag rail right from the can odor &. quick drying time and tool holders (#356-3) tearing or splitting stalks instead of cutting them cleanly, they should check the settings of the knives and crop guides. A properly lZ[tt)iI~ THEPROS KNOW. ASK SHERWIN-WIWAMS •• Sale ends October 2nd adjusted corn head not only reduces downtime, but it also reduces horsepower Ask about our extended payment plan! '19931he Shelwin-WlIllans ~ (Not responsble lor tvPol1OPhk:oI 0001$ Of art work. Sherwin-WIIIiams rll$8lV8S the rig'ltlo COllect errtlIS at point 01 purchase.) requirements and improves its field perfor- mance. U